DURING the Second China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair (ICIF), Dafen Village, known for its oil paintings, will hold 12 events to woo Chinese and foreign professionals from the art industry. These events aim to promote the trade of artistic works, as artists gather to exhibit their works and exchange opinions.

The events include painting contests and exhibitions. Beginning May 17, the Nanling Art Gallery in Buji Subdistrict will exhibit oil paintings done by art school teachers and students across China.

The ICIF organizers have invited 26 recognized artists from Guangdong Province to paint together at the front square of Dafen Village on May 18. These 26 artists will create a painting called "Impression Shenzhen," which will reflect the city's development over the past 26 years. The piece will become property of the Dafen Art Gallery after it is finished.

Meanwhile, the fair will also hold a seminar on the art business worldwide. At one of these events, some oil paintings created by art institutes will be auctioned. The ICIF organizers have also signed a deal with the Louvre in Paris and the prestigious museum will showcase paintings from Dafen Village.

A number of books, movies and TV series based on Dafen Village will be produced as a tribute to Dafen Village, an essential part of Shenzhen's cultural industry. The ICIF organizers will release a book "Special Villagers in Dafen Village" documenting the life stories of 80 painters in Dafen on May 20. The film "The Story of Oil Painting Village" will premiere May 20 at Buji Blue Sky Performance Hall on the same day. Shenzhen TV producers will shoot a series to reflect the historic village.

Editor: Wing